Shiver Me Timbers! Trump Slaps a Kraken-Sized Tariff on Copper!

Why is the Copper Gone?!

Savvy? Captain Jack Sparrow here reporting live from… well wherever the wind takes me! Seems our esteemed President Trump has decided to play a game of 'finders keepers' with copper. He's slapped a whopping 50% tariff on copper imports. Fifty percent! That's like doubling the price of rum – unthinkable! As I always say 'The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.' And right now my attitude about this problem involves a very large bottle of… something strong.

Rumors of Pharmaceutical Plunder

But wait there's more! He's not stopping at copper no. He's threatening to unleash tariffs of 'a very very high rate like 200%' on pharmaceutical imports. Two hundred percent! It's enough to make a pirate swear off grog... almost. They say pharmaceutical companies have a year and a half to set up shop in the U.S. before those tariffs hit. 'This is either madness… or brilliance.' Or maybe just madness. Time will tell.

Copper Prices Go Parley!

Now what happens when you squeeze the market like a lemon? The price of copper jumps higher than a monkey in a coconut tree! September futures soared by a monstrous 10.5%. Freeport McMoRan those lucky dogs saw their shares rise like a phoenix from the ashes. 'Why is the rum always gone?' Perhaps they're buying it all up with their newfound fortune!

A National Security Ruse?

The official line is that this is all about 'national security'. Apparently we can't defend ourselves without enough shiny copper. As Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the idea is to 'bring copper home'. Well I say 'Not all treasure is silver and gold mate,' but sometimes it is... especially when you can jack up the price with a tariff.

Tariff Tsunami!

Trump has been busy I'll give him that. He is sending letters left and right dictating new tariff rates on imports from 14 countries including Japan South Korea and Thailand. Those rates which range from 25% to 40% are set to take effect Aug. 1. 'The seas may be rough but I am the Captain!' Or well Trump is in this case. But you catch my drift.

Reciprocal Revenge and Refreshments

These new tariffs are separate from the 'reciprocal' ones he announced earlier. It's a whole tangled web of economics and frankly it's enough to make a pirate want to find a deserted island and start brewing his own rum. 'Drink up me hearties yo ho!' Before the price of everything goes through the roof. Blimey!